Kids Series Archives| A Real Page Turner

I finally got a chance to read the new (well not so new now…it took awhile to get it from the library on my Kindle) book, Ali Cross by James Patterson. Now you remember, I am a HUGE Alex Cross fan. I have been reading that series by James Patterson for about 25 years. So, when I saw he had a spinoff series starring his son, I had to read it (even though it was geared to tweens)! While it took awhile to be able to borrow it from the library for my Kindle, it was definitely worth the wait!

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About Ali Cross

From Amazon –

Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation’s most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?
When Ali’s best friend Gabe is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood—and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn’t commit, it’s up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn’t easy—especially when your father warns you not to get involved!—and Ali soon learns that clues aren’t always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe’s case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

Ali Cross The Summer House The 18th Abduction (Women’s Murder Club)

Perfect for Tweens and Teens

I think James Patterson was a genius for taking a character from one of his most popular book series and writing a series geared towards tweens and teens. When my son was younger, finding books that he wanted to read, that didn’t have a girl as the main character, was hard. Ali Cross is a middle school boy character that will appeal to boys and girls! I can’t tell you how much I wish this book was around when my son was younger and I was trying to get him to read books with more words than the graphic novels he preferred (which I was OK with too…reading is reading).

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book. This book felt like the old James Patterson books. The style of writing was very similar to early Alex Cross books. Which I liked a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy almost everything James Patterson writes, but sometimes they just seem different. This did not. It is definitely a book I will be recommending to my friends when they are looking for books for their tween/early teen aged kids!

If you are looking for other books for your tween/teen aged kids to reading, definitely check out the following:

What Books Would You Recommend?

I think the best books are those recommend to me by others. Leave a comment and let me know what books you recommend for the tween/teen age group!

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I still remember when the Harry Potter series came out. My husband and I would actually buy two copies of the book because we would fight over who could read it first. The day my daughter said she was interested in beginning the series on her Kindle was one of the happiest days of my life! No joke. This is a series that every kid should read at least once (or twice or more…) in their life.

Image via Pexels

Harry Potter Series

If you haven’t heard of the Harry Potter series (or movies), then you have definitely been living under a rock. No worries. Once you are done reading this review, you will want to run out and pick up this series as soon as possible.

– From Amazon-

“Turning the envelope over, his hand trembling, Harry saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger and a snake surrounding a large letter ‘H’.”

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)

The way J.K. Rowling writes, it draws you in and leaves you wanting more. I remember staying up late just to finish a chapter or the book! My daughter has stayed up very late all summer reading this series. She is excited to find out what happens next. I’ve never seen her so excited about reading before!

Fun Fact: The K in J.K. Rowlings name is a made up initial. She was told by her publisher that boys would not read about a boy wizard written by a woman!

Are the Books Better than the Movies?

Yes and no. Yes because I firmly believe that books are always better than the movies. In this case, J.K. Rowling does a good job of creating images with her words that you can totally picture in your head. I also say no because there is something magical about the movies, as well. It’s fun to see if what you imagined is the same in the movies. As my daughter finishes a book, she watches the movie. She gets very upset with all the little changes from book to movie! She’s definitely my kid!

Definitely add the Harry Potter series to your list of things to introduce your kids to. There is nothing cuter than seeing kids running around yelling spells from the books, wearing the robes, drawing scars on their forehead and waving their wands! Plus, once you’ve become obsessed with it, you can then visit The Wizarding Word of Harry Potter at Universal Studios!

Bundle – 3 items: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger Magic Wands Child Harry Potter Deluxe Costume Medium Rubies Harry Potter Broom Rubie’s Harry Potter Golden Snitch Costume Accessory Douglas Cuddle Toys Stuffed Wizard Snowy Owl